Frank Bascom Ward

Frank B. WardEasley, SC

Frank Bascom Ward, 91, of Grace Avenue, Easley, SC died Thursday, November 17, 2016 with his daughters at his side.  He was the beloved husband of the late Mildred Louise Pickler Ward for 66 years.

Born in Badin, NC on January 16, 1925, he was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie Bascom Ward (Dona Leona Lail).

A graduate of Badin High School, Frank entered his father’s alma mater, NC State University, in 1942.  In 1943, his studies were interrupted in order to serve his beloved country.  After serving in WWII, he returned to NC State University and graduated in 1949 receiving a BS in Textile Manufacturing.  While at NCSU, he was a member of ROTC; Sigma Tau Sigma, an Honorary Textile Fraternity; and Tompkins Textile Society.  While working at Deering Milliken, Frank attended graduate school at the Institute of Textile Technology in Charlottesville, VA where he also taught and served as an industry consultant.

During WWII, Frank proudly served in the Army from 1943 to 1946 in the European Theater.  He fought bravely in the 78th Infantry Division, 310th Infantry Regiment Company K.  For his service he was awarded many medals including two Purple Hearts. 

Immediately upon graduating from NCSU, Frank joined Deering Milliken’s Management Training Program in Spartanburg, SC where he excelled, serving as plant manager at several locations before soon moving into a number of executive level positions within the company. In 1964, Mr. Ward accepted a position with Bates Manufacturing Co. in Lewiston, ME where he served as Vice President of Operations and Director of Manufacturing until 1968, when he accepted the position of Vice President at Alice Manufacturing Company in Easley, SC. Following Alice, Mr. Ward worked as a Vice President for the Woodside Division of Dan River, Inc. before being chosen by the American Textile Machinery Association to serve as Vice President of Amatex International in Greenville, SC. His time at Amatex included extensive international travel.  Following retirement from Amatex, Frank worked as a Textile Consultant until 1997. 

Mr. Ward was a member of the President’s Council of the American Institute of Management, the American Textile Manufacturers Institute, the SC Textile Manufactures Association, the American Textile Machinery Association, The Textile Club, Easley Rotary Club, Commerce Club of Greenville, Pickens County Country Club, Easley Presbyterian Church, Pickens County Historical Society Executive Board Member for the Hagood Mauldin House, among others. On Derby Day 1977, he was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Surviving are his daughters Anne Ashley Rhyne Ward and Mindy Elizabeth Ward, both of Greenville, SC; a brother, James Lonnie Ward (Eleanor) of Fort Washington, MD; a sister-in-law, Syrella Morgan Pickler of Richfield, NC; three nephews; and cousins.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Ward was predeceased by a brother, William Bryan Ward.

Frank was a devoted husband, father and friend.  He lived a happy and full life, was cherished by his family and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 PM on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at Easley Presbyterian Church.  The Easley Rotary Club will serve as honorary attendants. The family will receive friends after the service in the church parlor.  Private entombment will be at Springwood Cemetery in downtown Greenville, SC.Memorials may be made to Easley Presbyterian Church, 200 S. First St., Easley, SC 29640 or Pickens County Meals on Wheels, 349 Edgemont Ave., Liberty, SC 29657.

  Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.